Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia present in 1% of population under 60 years of age and reaching up to 15 % at 80 years. Due to demographic changes in the Danish population, the incidence and prevalence of AF is expected to double within the next 30 years. Furthermore a number of diseases which are associated with a higher prevalence of AF such as ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension are also expected to increase in prevalence due to the aging population which will contribute to an increased incidence of AF. AF increases mortality and causes important morbidity, mainly due to thromboembolic complications and increases health economic costs. Additionally, AF is associated with reduced quality of life.